The result of a May 2024 merger between legacy firms Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, A&O Shearman fields ‘market-leading lawyers who work exceptionally hard and win cases’. The firm’s civil fraud practice is best known for handling large and multi-jurisdictional fraud cases concerning bribery, embezzlement, deceit and corruption, and its mandates typically involve urgent interlocutory matters, such as freezing and disclosure orders, as well as search and seizure orders. Calum Burnett is head of litigation and investigations in London, while Arnondo Chakrabarti leads the London litigation department. The practice also features Eve Giles, who acts for both corporations and individuals in matters involving fraud issues; Mahmood Lone, who advises global financial institutions on fraud allegations; and Brandon O’Neil, Hayley Humphries and Tom Spackman, who are all ’exceptionally hard-working, bright and technically competent’. Other key figures are Helen Biggin, an expert in large-scale, multi-jurisdictional fraud claims; Juliet de Pencier, who acts in civil fraud matters (alongside her finance litigation practice); and Georgina Thomson, who is notably focused on fraud claims and financial litigation in the High Court.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A real Rolls-Royce operation. Partners who are entirely on top of the law, drive strategy, and are laser focused on commercial outcomes. All supported by associate teams who get under the skin of the case, and add real value.’
‘A standout team in a crowded market. One real strength of the A&O fraud team is its diversity - this team is packed full of brilliant female associates, who are given the support and space to develop. That cannot be said of most of A&O's competitor firms.’
‘Very joined up with their overseas offices - good and seamless coordination. Hard-working and clever team but also a pleasure to work with.’
‘Strong, creative, full service, reliable, efficient, and a great pleasure to work with.’
‘Market-leading lawyers who work exceptionally hard and win cases.’
‘Brandon O'Neil, Hayley Humphries and Tom Spackman are all exceptionally hard-working, bright and technically competent, but also sensible and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Brandon O'Neil deserves particular credit for his superb, hands-on efforts.’
- ‘Juliet de Pencier has an iron grasp of her cases, and will surely be in partnership soon.’
Key clients
- Arise
- Trinity Investments Designated Activity Company
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Helen Biggin
Juliet de Pencier
Practice head
Calum Burnett; Arnondo Chakrabarti
Other key lawyers
Eve Giles; Mahmood Lone; Brandon O’Neil; Hayley Humphries; Tom Spackman; Helen Biggin; Juliet de Pencier; Georgina Thomson